Fine Early 17 3/8" Oval Ash Burl Bowl

Circa 1750-1825: Early burl items are difficult to date, but judging by the form, the wonderful honest lip and bottom wear, and the many expected knife marks on the bowl's inside, this outstanding large 6 1/2"H x 17 3/8"W x 13 1/2"D ash burl bowl dates from the mid 18th century to the first quarter of the 19th century. Scholars have attributed most of these early oval burl bowls to First Nations carvers from the Great Lakes region; so this is likely a native made rather than colonial or early American made bowl. Note the bowl's thin walls, a sign of a very skilled maker. This fine example of early North American burl features a very attractive graining and a lovely worn surface that can only be attained from generations of use.